Freaks of Nature Sunscreen
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Built for Athletes, Kind to the Ocean
Freaks of Nature Sunscreen was developed alongside 11x WSL World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater. The line combines mineral UV protection with biodesigned, skin-supportive ingredients for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who demand real performance without compromising reef health or skin wellness.
Both formulas are 100% mineral, reef-safe under Hawaii Act 104, fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic sourced through OceanWorks. Zero microplastics in either formula.
Choose Your Formula
| Feature | Daily Defender SPF 30 | Peak Performance SPF 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Active UV Filter | Non-nano zinc oxide 18% | Non-nano zinc oxide (% on packaging) |
| Water Resistance | 40 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Hydration Technology | Neossance Squalane (vegan) | Neossance Squalane (vegan) |
| Barrier Technology | B-Silk vegan spider silk | B-Silk vegan spider silk + red algae MAA |
| Application Technology | Vapor dispersion for even zinc spread | Water-resistant plant-based polymer |
| Microbiome Support | Hellobiome | Hellobiome |
| Best For | Daily routines, everyday outdoor activity | Surfing, watersports, extended sessions |
Daily Defender SPF 30
The everyday formula. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it integrates as the final step in your daily skincare routine before you head outside. Non-nano zinc oxide delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection through vapor dispersion technology for even, streak-reduced coverage. Designed with Hellobiome to actively support the skin microbiome.
Key Technologies in the Daily Defender
- Neossance Squalane: A vegan squalane derived from sugarcane rather than shark liver. It mirrors skin's natural lipids for deep, non-greasy hydration. Freaks of Nature notes this biodesigned ingredient helps save 2 million sharks annually by replacing the traditional shark-derived version.
- B-Silk Vegan Spider Silk (Sr-wasp spider polypeptide-1 / oligopeptide-178): A biodesigned silk protein that forms a lightweight, breathable veil on skin to repel pollution and environmental stressors without clogging pores.
- Hellobiome Microbiome Support: Formulated with Hellobiome to support a balanced skin microbiome, reinforcing the skin's natural defense layer.
- Vapor Dispersion Technology: Helps non-nano zinc oxide distribute evenly across the skin for consistent SPF coverage and a cleaner finish.
Peak Performance SPF 50
Built for longer sessions, harder conditions, and higher UV exposure. The 80-minute water resistance rating makes it the right call for surf, paddleboarding, open-water swimming, or full days on the water. A plant-based polymer system locks protection in place even through sustained sweating or swimming. Full ingredient details for the SPF 50 are printed on the product packaging.
Key Technologies in Peak Performance
- Red Algae MAA: Marine-derived Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids provide additional skin barrier support and help the skin cope with prolonged UV and environmental stress.
- Water-Resistant Plant-Based Polymer: Anchors the formula to skin for the full 80-minute water-resistance window without synthetic plastics.
- B-Silk Vegan Spider Silk: Shared with the SPF 30, it buffers the skin from environmental stressors throughout extended outdoor activity.
- Neossance Squalane: Maintains hydration even under prolonged sun and saltwater exposure.
How to Apply
Instructions are provided for the Daily Defender SPF 30. Follow label instructions for Peak Performance SPF 50.
Step 1: Complete your skincare routine. The brand recommends priming skin with a pump of the Deeper Dive Moisturizer beforehand.
Step 2: Apply Daily Defender SPF 30 as the final step in your morning skincare routine, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Dispense one pump or more into your hands and rub gently onto the face, neck, chest, and body as needed.
Reapplication: Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating (SPF 30) or 80 minutes (SPF 50), immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours during sun exposure.
Certifications and Sustainability
- Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104 (reef-safe mineral formula)
- Dermatologist Tested
- Fragrance-Free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Zero microplastics in formula
- Bottle made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic via OceanWorks
- Designed with Hellobiome for microbiome compatibility
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Specifications
- Brand
- Freaks of Nature
- Developed With
- Kelly Slater, 11x WSL Champion
- Size
- 1.7 fl oz
- UV Filter Type
- Mineral (non-nano zinc oxide only)
- SPF 30 Active Ingredient
- Zinc Oxide (non-nano) 18%
- SPF 30 Water Resistance
- 40 minutes
- SPF 50 Water Resistance
- 80 minutes
- Reef Safe
- Yes, Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104
- Microplastics
- Zero
- Vegan
- Yes
- Cruelty-Free
- Yes
- Fragrance
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist Tested
- Yes
- Packaging
- 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic (OceanWorks)
- Gender
- Unisex
- MPN
- itemMatrix-37362
- SPF 30 Full Ingredient List
- Active: Zinc Oxide (non-nano) 18%. Inactive: Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Propanediol, C13-15 Alkane, Squalane, Maleated Soybean Oil Glyceryl/Octyldodecanol Esters, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Methylheptylglycerin, Sr-wasp spider polypeptide-1 oligopeptide-178, Bentonite, Polyricinoleic acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, DL-Alpha Tocopherol, Sodium Phytate
- SPF 50 Ingredient List
- See product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who developed Freaks of Nature Sunscreen?
- Freaks of Nature Sunscreen was developed with Kelly Slater, 11-time WSL World Surf League Champion. The line is biodesigned for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want high-performance mineral sun protection with skin-first ingredients.
- Is Freaks of Nature Sunscreen reef-safe?
- Yes. Both the SPF 30 and SPF 50 formulas are Hawaii Reef Act 104 compliant. They use non-nano zinc oxide as the only UV filter, contain zero microplastics, and ship in 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic packaging through OceanWorks.
- What is the difference between Daily Defender SPF 30 and Peak Performance SPF 50?
- Daily Defender SPF 30 is a lightweight daily formula water-resistant for 40 minutes, suited for everyday outdoor activity. Peak Performance SPF 50 is built for extended water sessions with 80-minute water resistance and adds red algae MAA for extra skin barrier support. Both contain Neossance Squalane, B-Silk vegan spider silk, and Hellobiome microbiome support.
- What does non-nano zinc oxide mean and why does it matter?
- Non-nano zinc oxide particles are large enough that they do not penetrate skin or enter coral reef ecosystems. Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter that physically scatters both UVA and UVB radiation rather than absorbing it as a chemical filter would, making it one of the most well-tolerated sun filters for sensitive skin.
- How often should I reapply Freaks of Nature Sunscreen?
- Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating (SPF 30) or 80 minutes (SPF 50), immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours during sun exposure regardless of water activity.
- Is Freaks of Nature Sunscreen vegan and cruelty-free?
- Yes. Both formulas are vegan and cruelty-free. Squalane is derived through fermentation rather than shark liver, and B-Silk is a synthetic vegan spider silk protein. Neither formula contains animal-derived ingredients or animal testing.
- Does Freaks of Nature Sunscreen leave a white cast?
- The Daily Defender SPF 30 uses vapor dispersion technology to help distribute non-nano zinc oxide evenly, reducing the white cast common to mineral sunscreens. Apply as directed and blend thoroughly for best results.